Many people work from home in today’s digital age than they have ever before. If you are a part of this remote workforce, having a home office is essential for getting work done. While working from home has its benefits, there can be various distractions that sidetrack you from completing your work. Creating a distraction-free workspace can help you stay on track so you can maximize productivity. Read on to learn some key tips on how to optimize your workspace at home.
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1. Set Up in a Separate Room
It’s crucial to keep your work and home life separate as it helps to create boundaries. Consider setting up the office in a room that is separate from your kitchen, living space or bedroom. A spare room or guest bedroom are ideal options. If you lack extra space for a designated office, consider setting up your office in a corner of a room.
Additionally, having an office in a separate room means you’ll associate that space with work. For instance, we generally associate a bedroom for sleeping, the kitchen table or dining room for eating and the living room for relaxation. It’s a good idea to not mix work with other areas of your home. Avoid working on the couch, in bed or at the kitchen table as these areas can affect your mindset when working. An office provides you with a quiet, private space for your work.
2. Declutter Your Space
Did you know that a messy work environment can negatively impact productivity? For this reason, it’s best to keep a tidy office. You can keep up with maintaining an orderly space by cleaning regularly. For instance, clean any dishes or cups that have collected on your desk at the end of the workday. On the weekends, you can do a deeper clean by wiping down the desk, keyboard and mouse. Be sure to get rid of any old papers and unnecessary accessories as those can serve as distractions.
Don’t forget to organize your home office, which can help you keep it clean. An organized desk can also positively affect your mood by creating a sense of order and calm. For instance, invest in shelves and a file cabinet to keep important papers stored away. You can even buy furniture that matches the rest of your decor. You can find key pieces at various home office furniture shops. Additionally, you can hang a white board for reminders and notes instead of collecting numerous sticky notes.
You can also create a designated place for mail or completed projects. Don’t forget to organize your computer, too. For example, store important files on your desktop in appropriate folders to make your workspace less chaotic. What’s more, consider keeping your phone and other distractions out of sight so you can stay focused on work.
3. Decorate Your Office for Comfort
A home office that’s comfortable and decorated can be calming and inspiring. Best of all, it can boost your productivity. Try investing in a comfortable office chair since you’ll be sitting for extended periods of time. You can also repaint the room, add house plants and ambient lighting.
4. Set Regular Work Hours
When working from home, there are many distractions that can take your focus away from your projects, calls or assignments. Often, the lines between work and personal life can blur together. For this reason, consider setting hours or a schedule where you are focused on work and remember to take a lunch break.
Having a home office is essential when working from home. Follow these tips for creating a distraction-free zone to boost your productivity.
Author bio: Troy Simmons is General Manager at Bel Furniture, a leading furniture and mattress retailer. Simmons is a local Texan who has over 20 years of experience in the furniture business.
